A Guide to Burgeoning Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn

Bedford-Stuyvesant, better known as Bed-Stuy, is definitely a neighborhood in transition after rising real estate in neighboring Williamsburg inevitably started pushing out the newcomers and hipsters. Bed-Stuy has a long history as a proud and dynamic neighborhood known for its epic, historic brownstones and a tight-knit community. Today, the neighborhood landscape boasts a mixture of newer storefronts with generations-old mom and pops.

I tapped local Lindsey White, the ultra-talented designer behind LM White Jewelry, to show us around her ever-changing neighborhood. Below is her list of must-see stops in the area.

A musician-owned bar serving Italian small bites and classic cocktails in a cool ambience with a backyard. Check out the nightly roster of talented performers—from gypsy jazz to desert blues—while sipping on a delicious Red Needle with Mezcal.

A new dive joint with an old vibe. Started by the owners of Lucky Dog and Skinny Dennis of Williamsburg, this place has their beer/shot formula down with cheap drinks, a soft-serve boozy frozen coffee and the best jukebox in the neighborhood, full of 70’s rock and country to keep you jammin’ all night. Oh, don’t forget to bring your pooch to enjoy the backyard hangs!

Best dinner and brunch spot hands-down! Perfect for date night or with a group of friends. Red brick-lined walls set the scene for this quaint French restaurant serving the classics paired with the best selection of new and old-world wines.

Every neighborhood needs a solid ramen spot. Nana is fairly new, but already a regular stop for many locals. Standouts here are the black tonkatsu and gyoza. Also, it’s cash-only, so you know it’s good.

This place is not for the faint of heart. After all, what fun is vintage without dramatic flair? Owners Mimi Nagase and Ryoma Hashimoto curate everything from flamboyant gowns to authentic military apparel. You’ll find vintage gems for all ages, from “cradle to grave”, and their accessories game is especially on point. Nagase and Hashimoto recently began creating their own line made with Japanese fabrics. Expect smocks and other wares made with some of that highly sought after Japanese indigo.

Owner Margot Hughes has built up quite the eclectic selection of vintage wares in her charming boutique. Goods range from streetwear and ethnic styles, to mid-century home goods and vintage couture – all at a price that won’t break the bank.

The perfect way to ease into a weekend. Expect the best coffee and donuts in a friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating. They also source their tea from one of the best, Bellocq, and serve a mean matcha latte.

For those who know Texas kolaches, this place is a home away from home. The owner hails from Austin, where they originate, and freshly bakes these sweet and savory puffs on the daily, along with cinnamon and danish rolls.

Part apartment gallery, part creative lab housed inside of a historic 1905 brownstone, Fou Gallery is dedicated to promoting a new kind of organic art community. Focusing on Chinese contemporary art, they host film screenings, private dinners, sound performances, afternoon tea parties, and other events. Be sure to check out Fou Shop, which sells a selection of exclusive and limited edition works by local New York artists.

A cultural gem, this place really takes pride in preserving the arts and culture of the neighborhood. Owner Richard Beavers considers it his duty to ensure that everyone has access to art, and specifically, exposure to Black artists. Look forward to events that draw a diverse crowd and a constant rotation of great installments.

408 Marcus Garvey Boulevard \ Brooklyn, NY 11216

(Pictured. Image courtesy of Richard Beavers Gallery.)

ABOUT LINDSEY WHITE

Lindsey White, a native Houstonian, has been living in Brooklyn for over 7 years. In that time she’s collected trades and titles including seamstress, bartender, milliner, model and jeweler. With metal-work and jewelry as her current medium, she’s been able to develop collections centered around unique welding and plasma-cutting techniques highlighting texture and shape. You can find her current work at LMWhitejewelry.com.